Parasitic Diseases MCQs with Answers

Parasitic diseases are illnesses caused by parasites, organisms that live on or inside a host and derive nutrients at the host’s expense. These diseases can significantly impact health and quality of life, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.

Common parasitic diseases include malaria, caused by the protozoan parasite Plasmodium, which is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Malaria presents with symptoms like fever, chills, and anemia and can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly. Another notable parasitic disease is leishmaniasis, caused by the protozoan Leishmania and transmitted by sandflies. It can cause skin ulcers, fever, and damage to internal organs.

Giardiasis, caused by the protozoan Giardia lamblia, leads to gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. Schistosomiasis, a disease caused by trematode worms of the genus Schistosoma, results from contact with contaminated freshwater and can cause symptoms ranging from skin rash to liver damage.

Ectoparasitic diseases, such as those caused by lice and fleas, can lead to itching, secondary infections, and, in severe cases, anemia. Trypanosomiasis or sleeping sickness, caused by Trypanosoma parasites and transmitted by tsetse flies, can affect the central nervous system and lead to neurological symptoms.